BMW F32 435i N55 Ignition Projects coil packs and spark plugs DIY

[@dgharna8]

Reminder for all diy. Don’t forget those those 2 clips you removed in the back! They will throw a cel if you don’t connect them.

[@amuk0007]

I just followed the instructions on a 2015 428Xi (F32) N20 (4 cylinders) for changing out the spark plugs only. Thank you!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Glad it helped

[@mdbarnum]

50k mileson my F33, 13k Tuned - #4 is starting to misfire under any big load in taller gears. Got some nice NGK's gapped to .22 i'm putting in this weekend. Thanks for the video It wills surly come in handy!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@Anythingyoulike2013]

misfire under full throttle at top end of rev range is coil usually...

[@jamesm6413]

Thanks this video was very helpful when I did the repair on my 2012 X5. My foam was also torn. I bought the same Ignition Projects coils and only notice a difference during quick acceleration bursts. This is the first time the plugs were changed. Update: After about a month of driving I now notice that my X5 does have greater acceleration and I am getting better gas mileage with these IP coils. Sometimes more than 21 MPG during my commute to work.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Really glad it helped! Thanks for letting me know. 8)

[@Fze5656]

What mpg were you getting prior to these coils??

[@xZen0sx]

Thanks for this video! Just did this and it was super easy!!! Saved me so much $$$ lucky for us it was lot easier to change 6th cylinder. Didn't have to remove any trims or struct brace :)

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Always happy to help!

[@roberthardwick8063]

Very helpful video. Thanks. On my 2013 F30 the electrical connector bracket fastener needed a T27, not T30, wrench. Not every Torx set has one of these. Also, even though DIY Guy had no trouble skipping it, I went with the Bentley manual instruction and removed the bulkhead cowl cover and strut brace. Pro: Allows unobstructed access directly above all six plugs. I'm timid and would rather add some steps than risk damaging a coil or whatever. The foam sound insulation can be removed & reinstalled without any chance of shredding it. Con: Adds ~20 minutes. The torque brace bolts need a female Torx wrench (E18) which I had to buy. Bentley calls them "stretch fasteners" and shouldn't be reused . Some posts say that reusing them is OK. The torque spec is 56Nm + 90 degrees. I noticed that the torque increased for only about the first 20 degrees then stayed the same, i.e. the bolts are deforming plastically. Replacing them seems like a good idea. Hmm, the Con list is a good deal longer than the Pro!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Great feedback and always open to new ideas or better ways of doing the work.. I appreciate you sharing the info!

[@NeilRobinson79]

I found this really helpful @BMW DIY Guy; thanks very much. I was actually working on an M2, which has a similar N55 engine as your 435i and the M235i. All of the other videos that I could find for the N55 were from the PWG generation of the engine which looks a little different from our newer models. Thanks again!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Neil Robinson Happy to help!

[@NeilRobinson79]

I was only changing my plugs by the way, to 1 step colder NGK 97506, which I believe are two steps colder than the 435i plugs. Just FYI.

[@S58PSHIFTING]

i think as far as the cover that's torn in two that you have there, you can burn both edges and glue them back on together. Ive seen it done.

[@Psa354318]

Glad to hear you chose not to use dielectric grease on plugs. It doesn't transfer current. Only to be used on rubber bits around electronics to create seal for electronic devices to protect from elements. Great video by the way!

[@HeathHerring666]

Great video. I need to change my coils. I'm at 73k miles. So I'm running bootmod3 so I have increased boost. What have you noticed from these special coils? Whats the added benefit for spending triple the money? I want the best for my car but what's the payoff? I read what the website said but what do you notice in the real world. 1,000 dollars for plugs is up there. Great video. Video by video you break down the unknowns of us "normal" guys who want to work on their BMW

[@BMWDIYGuy]

So fantastic question really, and I can speak to stability but hard to measure in exactly X HP or Y torque. Working with Active Autowerke, they would highly recommend these in their high boosted N54s originally, and now N55s. I believe it helps timing and stability of timing. The are absolutely expensive, no argument there. I was in a place where I could do them, and knew I wanted to take my car to the reasonable (non destructive) limits, so added them to my build.

[@MrLaloman18]

ELDOR ignition coils (latest newest version) has replaced all previous pinhead coils used in N54 and n55 BMW engines that used Bosh & Delphi coils from 2008 - present to the latest. ELDOR is now BMW's OEM coil maker since 2016! Way better quality and craftsmanship...

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Great info, thank you!

[@mdbarnum]

Im about to do this and i can say for sure you can't just remove the back cowl in 2 minutes, there is a square metal cross member going to each strut tower among other things that are blocking #6 The cowl can come off quick but the rest of the stuff like the cross member and other plastic beneath the cowl will def take longer than a few mins. Maybe this is just for F33 because its a convertaible. I notice i do have more bracing than normal 435is, like infront of the FMIC and under the car.

[@mdbarnum]

Definitely easier/quicker at least for me using that 3" + universal . about to fire it up soon well see how it goes.

[@mdbarnum]

fired up great, JB4 says all cylinders ign is lock step with each other - about to take a test drive. Thanks man! I didn't have the patience you did for #6. I drilled a 1" hard plastic under the cowl and used a zip tie around the coil pack threaded through the hole and used a leverage bar and yanked it right out, also made it super easy to put the 6th plug back in with a long extension right down into the tube through the plastic covering (not the part exposed in the engine, under it). Looks stock though makes next time even easier. Thanks again!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Absolutely correct and in retrospect I would have done so. Would do so now

[@mdbarnum]

@@BMWDIYGuy thanks again - gave me a real piece of mind doing this - first time changing/gapping my own plugs and no one wants to f' up a 60k car or get a plug stuck or cross threaded.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@mdbarnum happy to help!

[@Nosnorb06]

You can remove the back cowl cover in about 2 mihutes and give you more access to those back two plugs.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Dave B great info, thank you!

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

Eldor coils are the BEST and latest. Way better design and super high quality. Fixes all issues that OEM Bosch and OEM Delphi coil packs had.

[@thomassabellico576]

You need to remove the cabin air cleaner assembly to better reach those last two plugs. You saw how hard those plugs are coming out and still don't use anti seize?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Yeah.. I pull that back tray now, I didnt at the time. All the recommendations say not to use anti-seize, so I dont.

[@rafaelafernandes4492]

Video muito bom!!! Very good Video...Felipe Carreiro - Brazil

[@kevinsilva7009]

Are you missing a vacuum line near the first coil?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Nope 8)

[@Lalo497]

Thanks

[@markyrose79]

Thanks for the video @bmw diy guy. Planning to tune my f30 to stage 1 with bootmod3. Is it OK to keep stock coil packs when changing my plugs? Or do you recommend in changing both coilpacks and plugs at the same time? Thanks

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Unless you are showing any misfires stay stock for now on coil and save the money. An upgrade like the IP coils is worth it as you push out to the edges, but won't ever say to waste money when you don't need it yet.

[@erlingviksund4240]

Thank you

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help

[@nicholasswithenbank8645]

Great video. Gives me the confidence to do my own on my M135i, did you have to adjust the spark plug gap before fitting?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Nicholas Swithenbank most plugs come pre-gapped now, so in general no.

[@markfx8c791]

@BMW DIY Guy I found this video really helpful! I have a 2014 BMW 435i coupe mileage is about 54000 approximately and I've been thinking about putting it on the shop to replace the spark plugs but don't wanna spend so much money on it. So I decided just to do it myself and this really helps a lot boost up my confidence but I still have to buy the tools that you used so that I could do it myself. Just want to know how is the Ignition Project coils doing as off now? and is it really worth it?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

The car is still running really strong and I feel it was worth it. They are not cheap that is for certain, but I feel they are a vital part of the rest of the build supporting the higher performance in my F32.

[@javyr]

The BMW dealership wanted me to replace them for $350. Said it was overdue by 400 miles and that it was very bad. It seemed like a scare tactic into getting me to spend more money but I will do it anyway. My question is, at 50k miles, is it worth it to have them do it vs doing it myself? Also, would the spark plugs I use really make a difference just because they're BMW branded? I still want to make sure my car's running in top shape and not spend all that extra cash if I don't need to. Thanks in advance!

[@javyr]

Great video, BTW!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

So changing your plugs is really easy.. at 50k its not a bad idea for sure, especially if you can do the work for yourself much cheaper. Also be VERY VERY careful buying NGK plugs as they are often fakes in places like ebay and even amazon. Make sure you get them from a reputable seller.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thanks!

[@autofanaticasia2746]

Did the IP coils made a difference? Thanks 🙏

[@BMWDIYGuy]

They certainly can yes, especially if you are pushing your tune beyond stock. Proper support with good coils and great plugs really matters.

[@johns.2246]

Ugh, sooo had a cylinder 5 misfire show up on my recently bought used 435i '14 x-drive. Went in and replaced the plugs, started up, now ALL cylinders are misfiring... any ideas?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

All the plugs gapped properly?

[@johns.2246]

Well, I bought a whole new set of 6, Bosch Fine Wire Double Platinum Spark Plugs Part #: ZR5TPP33S pre-gapped (and I didn't verify the gap)- also, should I have, and if so should it be different than what is factory preset gapping? I didn't use any anti-seize like suggested, but should I have used dielectric grease?

[@johns.2246]

I now have all 6 OEM coil packs on the way to arrive tomorrow, auto parts place suggested possibly with all new coils that, either a whole set of plugs could be bad- (albeit, not highly likely) or that now new plugs are in, the coil packs are now needing to be replaced cause there are fresh plugs working in each cylinder.

[@3rkowtf669]

Great video, any issues so far using Bosch plugs instead of OEM BMW?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

No issues whatsoever and even recently changed to 2 steps colder NGK plugs.

[@3rkowtf669]

Thanks for the input I have basic maintenance coming up I was just curious if cheaper spark plug options and gave anyone some issues otherwise no reason to stick with OEM expensive ones.

[@f3irty278]

@@3rkowtf669 They are the exact same plug, just without the BMW stamp...

[@3rkowtf669]

Ben Adams Thank you I placed the order

[@cerbs2g]

Thanks for the video might do my own.. Why did you jump past taking out the last coil pack?

[@LuckyZondi]

Because he is doing it incorrectly. You need to take all the covers first, to get a clear access to 5th and 6th spark plugs.

[@mikes.2113]

This is an inline 6. Why did you miss out the last two cylinders?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Dont worry I got all 6, thank you for the question though

[@mrfisther]

Active 8? So you got rid of your JB4? Any particular reason?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I heard great things about the Active 8, so sold the JB4 and changed. I have now sold the Active 8 and gone with the full ECU tune from Active which is just amazing! Not only customized and better performance but changed sport gauges and other updates.

[@HeathHerring666]

hey i have been having misfires on my 2013 bmw 335ix n55 6mt. i bought new bosch coils and have ngk iridium gapped at .018. i am running bm3 e30 stage 2. so many hesitations and misfires the car is not fun to drive. do these ignition coils hold a spark with this higher boost tune situations? i am about to drop 1,000 on coils so i just need some feedback and reassurance thanks. James

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Hey James.. saw the comments on bimmerpost as well. These may help, but no way to say for certain in your situation. I bought them on strong recommendation even with the higher price tag, as prep for where I wanted to take the car. Pleased so far but hard to say if my experience with solve your situation

[@cino4919]

@McLarenBMW How many dollars are for the psychological effect??? Just wondering.

[@justaguy9116]

what's the size of that wrench ?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

All tools you need are listed in the video description.

[@bobwilson4979]

My 435i 6mt has a misfire and was tuned to stage 1 on bm3, before i decided to put it back to stock to lower the misfiring. My car only has 30k miles with about 5k tuned. I was wondering if i should buy coils and plugs or just plugs?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I would start with plugs.. you can also move your coils around if you had a misfire on a specific cylinder which should show if you have a bad coil.

[@cerbs2g]

I will most probably go with the upgraded coil pack as well (rest of the car is factory but might start adding performance items and map ECU). I was just wondering if you dont want to change to performance cils do you still need to use new one or can you use the old coils? Thanks

[@BMWDIYGuy]

So I didnt have any cool issues or misfires, but look at this as part of performance changes. I have make so many performance changes, I didnt want ignition to become a problem. Absolutely worth it for me.

[@masondixon952]

Why is it important to put coil pack back in same spot

[@BMWDIYGuy]

So in this case just being super thorough.. with all of the tuning and logging I do, I want to make sure the same components are in the same place, in case the values change or an issue comes up. Really not needed in normal cases, just being OCD. 8)

[@Dovecand100]

I switched the spark plugs (with BMW spark plugs) and I had a misfire in cylinder 1 & 2, I replaced the coils in cylinder 1 & 2, and still have a misfire in cylinder 1, Any ideas ?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Couple of ideas.. thankfully plugs are not super expensive. You have already replaced the coil, so unlikely that. Put the old plug bag and see if you have a misfire, would be where I start. Thankfully if you do have one bad plug (pretty darn rare) its not expensive to replace.

[@Dovecand100]

@@BMWDIYGuy Ya, I tried that, and there was still a misfire, do you think it could be a bad wire or injector?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@Dovecand100 possible but if not a problem prior to this, something changed. Test with a different coil pack too, maybe swap a higher cylinder that is working fine. That way you know zero chance of that

[@Dovecand100]

@@BMWDIYGuy oki'll try that

[@Dovecand100]

Update: didn’t work will take it to BMW to see if they can diagnose the problem. The vehicle did start up kind of rough which is why I thought the spark plugs and coils would fix it, but hopefully it’s just a bad wire or fuel injector and hopefully they are covered by the extended warranty, will update tomorrow

[@marshallgoldberg8376]

Your approach is tempting, but I disagree. The correct procedure is to remove the brace and other items which obstruct plugs 5 and 6. This will give clear access and you won’t shred the foam insulation, as you have. If you’re paying a mechanic to do this job, you wouldn’t want that foam piece torn up like that. Unfortunately, the four bolts which hold the brace in place are one time use bolts which must be replaced. But I do my own work in order to be sure it’s done properly, and that’s the proper way to do it.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Great points actually and I have removed that brace and back piece now.. a zillion times. I agree and also have the correct reverse torx sockets to do it. Great feedback thank you!

[@simoninproductions5116]

it would save you a good 15 minutes and less extensions and tools if you just take off the black plastic fitment by the windshield/ takes 3 minutes....

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Great feedback and great advice. I changed my plugs out about a week ago and did exactly that. Thank you for sharing!

[@handyman3320]

Do you feel the coils were worth the BIG price tag as compared to regular coils?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I absolutely do.. I feel it is a really important part of the build on the rest of the performance components, making the entire system stronger. They are not cheap, but I believe entirely worth it. I am still due a new dyno run with the latest tweaks from Active Autowerke, and will install a high flow catted down pipe asap. That said, I am already significantly stronger and pushing 350rwp which is well over 400 at the motor.

[@handyman3320]

BMW DIY Guy have you taken it to the track for 1/4 Mile times?

[@handyman3320]

BMW DIY Guy that downpipe will be night and day.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I haven't had a chance yet to do so but plan on it as soon as I can.

[@dedan2]

Can the NGK plugs be used on a stock 435i?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Absolutely yes though gap won't be as aggressive if not running a tune

[@caspernetherlands698]

What’s your plug/coil setup now that your boost is significantly higher?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Same as the video here

[@amccann99]

Man, those IP Coils are $995 bucks! I'll stick with the normal ones.

[@mejia55]

Bimmer life coils vs precision raceworks vs ignition project which ones should I buy?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I am not familiar with the others so am unable to compare, sorry. I am really pleased with these in my car though!

[@brandonh.6654]

Bmw wants $100 for that block of foam